Hello, my name is Shanakay Gillespie. The sister of the late Shantel Gillespie.

On Thursday December 12, 2024 my sister was found murdered in her apartment. 2 days after finishing her nursing degree… 2 weeks before Christmas. She left behind 3 beautiful children all under the age of 6.

Shantel was a beautiful soul and was loved by all. She grew up in Mandeville Jamaica and immigrated to the US in 2014. She dedicated the last 5 years of her life to Boston Children’s Hospital as a Clinical Assistant where she cared for patients and families and came home to do the very same for her own. My sister had 1 goal in life: to make a better life for herself so her children would grow up wanting of nothing. From long work hours, to classes and clinical, to coming home to nurture 3 children. Over all the years she worked tirelessly to have a successful future while battling to break the cycle of domestic violence.

This week she completed all coursework and was set to graduate from Laboure College of Healthcare this month with her Degree in Nursing. We cried tears of joy together celebrating a victory well deserved. Today we cry together but tears of sorrow at such a tragedy. She never received her degree, she never walked the stage, she never got to tell her children goodbye. She worked so hard for a future that was ripped away too soon.

My family and I are asking for support as we plan to celebrate the life of our dear sister, mother and friend. We plan to send her back home to Jamaica where she can rest in peace.

All contributions will be greatly appreciated. All proceeds will be used towards her children’s well being and finding justice for her murder.

Please share to help a family in need and shed light on the matter for victims of domestic violence.